Cannabis Genetics & Seeds

From Jason S.,
G’day, Nico! I have been reading about small growrooms as I have small grow of my own. I have a 7’x7′ room with a 4-pot DWC system in rockwool with layers of clay balls for air and drainage. I use a 600-watt M.H. and H.P.S to swap over, as well as great air circulation and temperature control. I live in Tasmania, Australia where we don’t have the opportunity to obtain great strains very often. Can you advise me of a trusted seed bank that can ship to me and the best way to pay without credit card? Lastly, and most importantly, what are a couple of high THC strains that would best suit my setup?

Greetings, Jason. Thanks for reading and writing in – and from so far away! Ahhh, technology…
Your grow systems sounds like the perfect set-up for a home indoor grower, so well done to you. Now you have stumbled onto one the biggest questions/obstacles that growers around the world face – how to get good cannabis genetics!

It used to be that 10-20 years ago, would-be growers had to travel the globe to find new or decent marijuana seeds. They would usually end up in Amsterdam (still a very good option for obtaining seeds), or dealing with the shady seed banks of old in Canada. The more adventurous types would venture even further and trek to Thailand, Afghanistan or Morocco to find genetics. Today, we either turn to the Internet or the myriad of ads in High Times magazine (also a good option)!

In truth, it is still not easy to find a reliable and reputable seed bank that ships seeds globally and this is mostly due to various legal ramifications around the world, with some regions/governments being more lenient, and others not at all. Even the best-known and well-meaning seed banks have to periodically take their lumps from governments (i.e., The Attitude Seed Bank), customs agencies and local authorities and shut down their operations for certain amounts of time. Some operate for a few years only to be forced out of business and never return. Luckily, seeds are small and easy to transport and/or mail – and there are always new breeders or seed banks willing to take the risk!

The biggest seed banks reside in countries with laws that a lenient or altogether allowing of cannabis seed possession and sales. Most of these countries are in the EU and view cannabis seeds as a novelty. These countries include the UK, where The Attitude resides, and Spain, where Dina Fem resides – two excellent and reputable seed banks. Amsterdam also is home to numerous seeds companies and breeders, but not many there are shipping globally. And recently, some Canadian seed banks such as BC Bud Depot and Reeferman Genetics have really come on as laws have loosened up there significantly. (NOTE: Most Canadian banks do not like to ship to the U.S. For U.S. residents looking to purchase seeds the best bet is to visit a legal or medical state to obtain them. Once purchased it’s pretty easy to get some beans home… from what I hear.)

In terms of payments, the best options for everyone is still (unfortunately) cash or money orders. Money orders are the best option and preferred by any seed bank shipping worldwide, just make sure to use an accepted issuer, like Western Union. It’s never a good idea to purchase cannabis seeds using a credit card.

On a side note, I used to live in Australia for a few years during my collegiate days. We had some nice projects in Perth and down around Adelaide with some very unique cannabis genetics that I have not seen since! I hope that you find and cherish these genetics and remember to enjoy them all as they are each special and unique in their own way. Here’s to hoping Oz joins the ranks in rethinking prohibitive cannabis laws! Best of luck mate!

Thanks for reading everyone and remember: Grow… And help the world grow, too!

Got questions? Email ‘em over to Nico at Edit.Grow@hightimes.com and be sure to put “Nico’s Nuggets” in the subject line!